About Us

Founded in 1935, the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida) was established to pursue a land suit on behalf of the Tlingit and Haida people. The organization of Tlingit & Haida evolved out of the struggle of our people to retain a way of life strongly based on subsistence. That struggle included the rights of our people to claim lands we had used from time immemorial, lands we were given no claim to under the Western concept of land ownership.

Background

The Tlingit and Haida people were brought together by common interests in protecting, preserving and advocating for the rights of our people.

The Native cultures of Southeast Alaska were built on a solid foundation of respect for: culture, elders, clans, the bounty of the land and waters, and the land itself.

We are proud of the legacy our forefathers have built for us in the areas of self-governance, self-determination, and tribal administration.

Tlingit & Haida is only one of two federally recognized regional tribes in Alaska. This presents a separate set of challenges and opportunities in serving our people.

Tlingit & Haida remains steadfast and determined to respect the sovereign rights of smaller Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) tribes in Alaska and especially in Southeast Alaska.

We clearly understand that we must work hand-in-hand with the other federally recognized tribes in Southeast Alaska to maximize benefit to our common citizenry and to protect our sovereign rights in perpetuity.